Synthetic oil provides better engine protection
Drivers may be wary of paying more money for an oil change when a cheaper alternative is available. But according to a recent study by AAA, synthetic oil can cut costs in the long run by providing better engine protection than conventional oil.
Comparing the performance of both kinds of oil in a variety of tests, AAA determined that synthetic oil outperformed conventional oil by an average of 47 percent. The organization said this extra protection can be especially valuable for vehicles exposed to harsher driving conditions.
"With its superior resistance to deterioration, AAA's findings indicate that synthetic oil is particularly beneficial to newer vehicles with turbocharged engines and for vehicles that frequently drive in stop-andgo traffic, tow heavy loads, or operate in extreme hot or cold conditions."
Conventional oil is derived from crude oil through refining or hydrocracking. Synthetic oil can be artificially created from chemical compounds, using conventional oil or other raw materials as a base. Joshua Palmer, writing for Angie's List, says synthetic oil will last longer and do a better job of resisting extreme temperatures. Eric Evarts, writing for Consumer Reports, says synthetic oil also flows better when starting a vehicle during cold weather.
Researchers conducted eight separate tests which compared the oils in areas such as engine and turbocharger deposit formation, volatility, low temperature performance, and oxidation stability. In all but one of the tests, synthetic oil performed better than conventional oil.
Among all 2016 model year vehicles, AAA found that only two low-volume high-performance vehicles specifically required the use of synthetic oil. Most manufacturers instead require that the oil used in their vehicles meet certain specifications, and drivers are usually given a choice of using conventional or synthetic oil during an oil change.
In a survey of 1,007 adults, AAA found that 45 percent of drivers in the United States use synthetic oil in their vehicle. Thirty percent said they use conventional oil, and almost one-quarter did not know what type of oil they used.
Twenty-seven percent of respondents said they did not know which type of oil was better, and 17 percent said they did not consider synthetic oil to be better for their engine. Those that chose to use conventional oil typically said they thought synthetic oil was too expensive, was an unnecessary upsell, or that the option was not offered at their repair facility.
In surveying 3,423 of its Approved Auto Repair facilities, AAA researchers determined that the average cost of a conventional oil change is $38 while a synthetic oil change typically costs $70. The study notes that this extra cost translates to $5.33 per month. Researchers determined that the average cost of five quarts of synthetic oil was $45 while the same quantity of conventional oil was $28, so drivers who change their own oil would spend only $1.42 more per month.
"It's understandable that drivers may be skeptical of any service that is nearly twice the cost of the alternative," said Nielsen. "While a manufacturer-approved conventional oil will not harm a vehicle's engine, the extra $30 per oil change could actually save money in the long run by protecting critical engine components over time."
AAA suggests that some of the hesitation to switch to synthetic oil may stem from distrust of vehicle repair facilities. In a separate survey, two-thirds of respondents said they don't trust these facilities. Most respondents who distrusted these repair facilities said they were worried that they would recommend unnecessary services for their vehicle.
Evarts says synthetic oil can be beneficial for drivers who frequently make short trips, since conventional oil may not heat up enough to burn off moisture and impurities. Synthetic oil can also be a good choice for areas with very cold winters or hot summers, or for drivers who frequently tow or carry heavy loads.
Getting your oil changed at the recommended servicing intervals is also important. Palmer says synthetic oil can be helpful if you tend to put off oil changes, since it is designed to last longer.